Wilmer Font is not a name everyone has heard of but - spoiler alert - you should start paying attention. The pitcher is a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, currently throwing for the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate of the team. On Tuesday night, the prospect continued a quietly powerful performance for the season, setting a new team record for most strikeouts in a single season as he notched another seven.
Font keeps pitching into history
Font walked on to the mound on Tuesday night just four strikeouts away from setting a new single-season record for the Oklahoma City Dodgers.
It did not take him long to get No 4, as he ended the night with seven strikeouts. In six innings, he gave up just three hits, two walks, and one run. Just like most of his other opponents this season, Tacoma didn't stand a chance.
In the eyes of some, his strikeout record won't mean much. For starters, it's the minor leagues - the players simply aren't as good as they are in the majors. There have been plenty of players to dominate the minors, only to prove that it was the best it would get for them in professional baseball. Additionally, it can be viewed through a "half glass empty" prism - if Font is throwing so many strikeouts, why can't he make it to the next level of professional baseball?
Those questions should be put aside for one night, as an accomplishment in a stories organization such as the Dodgers deserves celebration.
Making it to the other Dodgers
This accomplishment will have some fans clamoring for Font to be called up to the big leagues. He's no spring chicken, though. Font is actually 27 years old.
He had a brief cup of coffee in the majors with the Texas Rangers several seasons ago, but has since kicked around several organizations, including the Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays. The Venezuelan signed with the Dodgers during December and was immediately assigned to Oklahoma City.
Nevertheless, he has shown enough to warrant a spot on a 40-man roster when somewhere in the MLB.
Font has thrown four consecutive quality starts since the All-Star break. He memorably struck out 15 batters in a mid-May contest, one of the best starts for any minor league pitcher this season. He isn't afraid to face elite hitting prospects with his hard curveball or surprisingly effectively fastball. He may not escape from the Oklahoma City Dodgers this year, but he has shown his value to teams across the league.
